Ofilia Wood Owen

Mrs. Ofilia Wood Owen, age 91, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her home with her daughters at her side, on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Ofilia was born in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico to Rodolpho and Ofilia Wood. She attended a boarding high school in Eagle Pass, TX and later graduated with a Business Administration Degree from Texas Technological & Agricultural College Lubbock, TX (now Texas Tech University) in 1957.

At Texas Tech, Ofilia met Donald Lewis Owen of Pep, TX, married, and started a life together. Don worked for the USDA out of college then became a Border Patrolman and moved the family to Douglas, AZ.

Ofilia raised 4 children and had a career. Ofilia first worked in administration for the Phelps Dodge Mining Company in Douglas. She then taught Secretarial Administration at Douglas High School. Ofilia then taught Business Administration at Cochise College, also in Douglas.

After Don was transferred to the Immigration Dept. in Atlanta, the family moved to Lawrenceville, GA. Ofilia accepted a position at Trust Company Bank as Executive Administrative assistant to the President of the Bank. Ofilia retired as Personnel Director at Sun Trust Bank Lawrenceville.

Don was asked by the Federal Government (along with 99 other retired Border Patrolmen) to administer the first Amnesty Program under Ronald Reagan. The government offered Don the Lubbock area, so Don and Ofilia moved back to Lubbock to be closer to family and friends.

Don and Ofilia loved Georgia and decided to move back, choosing Gainesville because it was close to Atlanta and a true city on its own. They bought a lake home in the city and entertained guests and relatives for almost three decades in their big yard and on the lake.

Ofilia was very proud to be a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, attending services every Sunday until the last week of her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Lewis Owen in 2019. Ofilia is survived by her four children, Robert (Linda), Ofilia (John), Donald (Lynda) and Elizabeth (John); eight grandchildren, Kathleen, Kelly, Olivia, Don, David, Catherine, Emily and Michael. Two great-grandchildren, Claire and Charlotte.

If unable to attend Funeral Mass, anyone that knew Ofilia or knows the family is invited to Recess Restaurant, downtown Gainesville to celebrate her life.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:30 pm Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church  Gainesville with interment to follow in Alta Vista Cemetery. Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Recess Restaurant.

God Bless Ofilia’s Soul…..

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

                       For viewing on livestream www.facebook.com/MemRiversideNorth